Power station
The electrical power produced by a facility that generates electricity for distribution to users.
How big is it?
1 GW of power
Power · example
A little perspective
Three Gorges Dam rated output is about 22.5 times larger on this measurement.
Three Gorges Dam rated output: Three Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Power station
A chosen 1 GW electrical output. Capacity and actual generation differ.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Three Gorges Dam rated output
The Three Gorges hydropower station has 22.5 GW installed generating capacity. Actual output varies with water and operating conditions.
China Three Gorges Corporation — Three Gorges Project
The marked installed generating capacity is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 GW
For comparison, this page uses power. This is labelled example: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value.
A chosen 1 GW electrical output. Capacity and actual generation differ.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Power station dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GW | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible power records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · PowerContainer ship engine shaft power60 MWContainer ship engine shaft power is the mechanical power transmitted from a ship’s main engine to its propeller for movement through water.
Nearest higher value · PowerSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power12 GWSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power is the rate at which heat energy is produced by the engine's combustion during operation.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
PowerLED bulb9 WThe electrical power drawn by a light-emitting diode lamp used for illumination.
PowerElectric kettle3 kWThe electrical power used by an electric kettle to heat water.
PowerWind turbine5 MWThe rated electrical power output of a wind-driven generator.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
PowerThree Gorges Dam rated output22.5 GWThree Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
PowerLarge grid demand40 GWThe total electrical power required by all users connected to a large electricity grid at a given moment.PowerSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power12 GWSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power is the rate at which heat energy is produced by the engine's combustion during operation.
PowerItaipu Dam rated output14 GWItaipu Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the Itaipu hydroelectric dam is designed to generate under standard conditions.